Reading: A Gift that Lasts a Lifetime

Published on Tuesday, December 13, 2011

By NJEA President Barbara Keshishian and NJ Association of School Librarians President Pat Massey

The holiday season is a wonderful time to share gifts with children that not only come from the heart, but also from a shared interest. Books have the power to connect people and inspire a lifelong love of literature. There are so many titles to choose from, it can be difficult to offer a short list but here are some suggested titles and authors to help you share a love of reading with the children in your life. Although we have provided an age range, it is just a suggestion.

Books for all ages:

Auntie Claus by Elise PrimaveraThe Lion & the Mouse by Jerry PinkneyMy Weird School series by Dan GutmanThe Polar Express by Chris Van AllsburgSeven Spools of Thread: a Kwanzaa Story by Angela MedearisThe Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco

Some other authors who are popular with children in this age group are: Sharon Draper, Wendy Mass, Jon Scieszka, Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, and Mo Willems.

Children (Ages 5-12):

The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series by Debby Dadey and Marcia Thornton JonesAlexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith ViorstAmber Brown by Paula DanzigerApple Tree Christmas by Trinka Hakes NobleChristmas Tapestry byPatricia Polacco A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla FrazeeFranny K. Stein, MadScientist by Jim BentonFreight Train by Donald Crews Horrible Harry by Suzy KlineThe House in the Night by Susan Marie SwansonHow Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane YolenJunie B. Jones series by Barbara ParkPiggie Pie by Margie PalatiniReindeer Crunch and Other Christmas Recipes by Kristi JohnsonSavvy by Ingrid LawWelcome Comfort byPatricia PolaccoA Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'EngleZiggy series by Sharon DraperSports series by Mark Stewart

Young Adults (12-18):

Bluford High series (various authors)Crank by Ellen HopkinsGift of the Magi by O.Henry Graceling by Kristin Cashore The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsIdentical by Ellen HopkinsTwilight series by Stefenie Meyer

One way to make your gift even more meaningful – and treasured for years to come – is to give your own beloved copy of a favorite book such as Little Women, Treasure Island, or Curious George to a child.

To really make the most out of the gift of reading, take time to read together every day. Not only will you be able to share well-known classics, but you also might discover a new favorite to add to your personal library.

Finally, get to know the reading experts in your child’s life. Teachers, school library media specialists, and public librarians are happy to work with you to instill in your child a love of reading – and that’s a gift that lasts lifetime.

Barbara Keshishian is the president of the New Jersey Education Association, which represents more than 195,000 public school library media specialists, teachers, and educational support professionals in New Jersey’s public schools.

Pat Massey is the president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, which advocates high standards for librarianship and library media programs in the public, private and parochial schools in New Jersey to ensure that students and staff become effective users of information.